* The Chicago Tribune editorial board took a look at the reporting on the NRI and IDOT messes and concluded…

The governor’s spokespeople invariably use the words “zero tolerance” to defend his response to the unfolding disasters.

Besides replacing Schneider at IDOT, Quinn has ordered the agency to abolish the “staff assistant” position. Last week, IDOT fired 58 people whose jobs were improperly classified and created a merit board to oversee hiring.

Quinn also signed legislation meant to toughen the rules governing state grants and prevent some of the problems that occurred with his own bungled anti-violence program. And he ordered all state agencies to cooperate with investigators.

Quinn took those actions as the headlines and audits and subpoenas exploded around him. That’s not zero tolerance. It’s CYA.

* The Question: “Zero tolerance” or “CYA”? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please.

Totally CYA. With IDOT in particular. Quinn has been a patronage guy from day one. That’s how he got his start in Illinois politics. He’s only taking these actions now because he’s in a tough race against an opponent who’s making it an issue.

CYA is a way of life with Quinn. IDOT and NRI are just the two most recent examples. Remember how he handled the MGT-Push early release scandal in 2010?

Zero tolerance. Governors have to rely on staff, they aren’t made aware of every problem immediately, and it’s best not to make rash decisions. When it became clear there was mismanagement, the Governor took action.

There’s not one out of 58 that’s qualified to work?? Why not give those 58 workers (and the public) a certain deadline to submit their applications/resumes for specific positions (clearly these positions need to be defined), and put them through the hiring process - that seems more reasonable than laying off more people.

Quinn has been honing his patronage craft for decades and this is the best he can do. I can’t vote for Rauner and will not vote for Quinn. First time I will likely leave a major contest blank in a long long time. Vote for the guy who is breaking the law or the guy who is breaking the law. What a choice.